HIL Engineer

Job Details

Location: Palo Alto, CA – 5 days onsite (Local Only)

Duration: 6‑12+ months (contract)

Visa eligibility: U.S. Citizen, Green Card, Green Card EAD, H‑4 EAD, TN

Interview mode: Video

About the Role

A leading automotive engineering organization is expanding its Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) validation capability and is actively seeking experienced HIL Engineers to support the build‑out of multiple new systems. This role requires hands‑on ownership of HIL environments, from initial setup through system integration and validation. The ideal candidate brings deep, practical experience and can immediately contribute in a fast‑paced, highly technical environment. This is not an entry‑level or general test role; we are specifically looking for engineers who have built or stood up HIL systems from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy HIL systems from scratch
• Translate system requirements into test plans and validation strategies
• Perform electrical integration, including wiring schematics and ECU I/O mapping
• Configure and integrate vehicle communication interfaces (CAN, LIN, Ethernet)
• Develop and maintain MATLAB/Simulink models
• Execute test development, automation, and debugging
• Support system‑level validation and issue triage
• Collaborate across systems, controls, and hardware teams

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of HIL engineering experience
• Demonstrated experience building or standing up a HIL system from scratch
• Proficiency with dSPACE (required)
• Strong hands‑on experience with system‑level validation environments
• Experience with core tools: dSPACE, Vector tools (CANoe, CANalyzer preferred)
• Modeling expertise in MATLAB/Simulink
• Familiarity with CAN, LIN, and Ethernet interfaces

Preferred Experience

• Low Voltage Systems (high priority)
• Body control and power distribution (e.g., electronic fuses)
• Vehicle motion controls / dynamics
• Thermal systems
• Zone architecture
• Vehicle diagnostics
• Prior role/title as a HIL Engineer
• Background in highly hands‑on programs such as automotive research, prototype programs, or competitive engineering teams (e.g., Formula SAE)

What Success Looks Like

• Ability to clearly explain a HIL system they have built or owned end‑to‑end, covering:
  • Requirements gathering
  • Test planning
  • Electrical integration (wiring, I/O mapping)
  • System architecture decisions
  • Modeling approach (MATLAB/Simulink)
  • Execution and validation strategy